Fact 2: Understanding the Origin of MTC
All cancers have an origin story, and for MTC, it’s quite unique. The story starts with the parafollicular C cells in the thyroid gland, which are responsible for the production of a hormone called calcitonin. Under normal circumstances, these C cells help regulate calcium levels in our blood. However, in MTC, these cells become cancerous, leading to an overproduction of calcitonin and other hormones.
This distinctive origin sets MTC apart from other thyroid cancers, which typically arise from thyroid follicular cells, responsible for producing thyroid hormones. Moreover, it also informs the specific behavior and symptomatology of MTC. For instance, the overproduction of calcitonin can lead to symptoms such as flushing and diarrhea, which are not commonly associated with other thyroid cancers.
Understanding the cellular origin of MTC also has practical implications for diagnosis and management. The overproduction of calcitonin serves as a key biomarker, allowing doctors to diagnose MTC early and monitor the disease progression or recurrence post-treatment. Thus, the unique origin story of MTC not only differentiates it from other thyroid cancers but also shapes its diagnostic and therapeutic landscape. (2)
